Delhi-NCR Pollution: The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) is significantly expanding the Continuous Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Station (CAAQMS) network across Delhi-NCR to strengthen accurate, real-time tracking of air pollution. The initiative aims to improve regional coverage, enhance data reliability, and enable more effective, science-based pollution control policies.

As part of this effort, CAQM is reviewing the progress of installing 27 new CAAQMS stations in addition to the existing 84 stations in the region.

Current Installation Status Of 27 New Stations

  • Delhi: 6 stations already installed
  • Haryana (NCR): 7 stations under installation
  • Rajasthan (NCR): 4 stations under installation
  • Uttar Pradesh (NCR): 10 stations under installation

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Scientific Criteria For Future Expansion

CAQM has adopted detailed scientific guidelines for further network growth. Key factors include:

  • Population distribution
  • Land use patterns (residential, traffic, industrial, and background areas)
  • Urban continuity
  • Rapidly expanding peri-urban/suburban areas

Emphasis has also been placed on grid-based coverage and the need for border and background stations to better understand regional pollutant transport and baseline air quality.

Installation Standards

  • In Delhi and major adjoining cities (Ghaziabad, Noida, Greater Noida, Faridabad, Sonipat, etc.): One station every 25 square kilometres (5×5 km grid)
  • In other district headquarters and cities: One station every 50 square kilometres

Special importance has been given to monitoring in urban and suburban areas to assess the impact of urban sprawl on regional air quality.46 Additional Stations Identified
Based on the above criteria, CAQM has identified the need for 46 more CAAQMS stations:

  • Delhi: 14
  • Haryana (NCR): 16
  • Rajasthan (NCR): 1
  • Uttar Pradesh (NCR): 15

Once these are installed, the total number of CAAQMS in Delhi-NCR will reach 157, distributed as follows:

  • Delhi: 60 stations
  • Haryana (NCR): 45 stations
  • Rajasthan (NCR): 9 stations
  • Uttar Pradesh (NCR): 43 stations

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CAQM has reiterated that a dense and robust monitoring network is essential for identifying pollution sources, tracking trends, and enabling timely action. The ongoing and proposed expansions are expected to significantly strengthen air pollution control capabilities across Delhi-NCR.